Clashes Reported In al-Azza Refugee Camp In Bethlehem

Wednesday January 29, 2014 00:28 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Soldiers Place Sand Barrier On Road Near Beit Ummar

[Tuesday Evening, January 28, 2014] Dozens of Israeli soldiers attempted to invade al-Azza refugee camp, north of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, and clashed with local youth. Palestinian kidnapped in Deheisha refugee camp.

The Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported that the soldiers were heavily deployed near the Paradise Hotel, adjacent to the camp, and clashed with local youth, who hurled stones at them.

The soldiers fired gas bombs, and rubber-coated metal bullets; several injuries among the Palestinians have been reported.

Israeli soldiers repeatedly invade the Paradise Hotel area, and the Intercontinental Hotel area, on both sides of the camp, and install roadblocks before stopping dozens of Palestinian cars and searching them while inspecting the ID cards of the passengers.

The ongoing invasions lead to clashes between the soldiers and local youth, especially since the army frequently targets the camp.

In related news, local sources in the Deheisha refugee camp, in Bethlehem, have reported that dozens of soldiers invaded the camp, kidnapping one Palestinian.

Also on Tuesday evening, soldiers closed a road leading to the Beit Ummar town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Local sources said that the army placed a sand barrier on the road, closing an area where more than 200 Palestinians live.

Mohammad Awad, spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, told the WAFA Palestinian News Agency that the attack is part of ongoing violations against the Palestinians.

Awad added that the road is essential to the residents and, by closing it, Israel is imposing further restrictions on Palestinians’ right to freedom of movement.

In addition, dozens of soldiers invaded al-Eesawiyya town, in occupied East Jerusalem, and clashed with several local youth before kidnapping a Palestinian child.